Click Here to view printable version.

Burmese Pythons (Python molurus bivittatus)

      Burmese pythons are found throughout South East Asia and parts of Indonesia.  Burmese pythons are a subspecies of the Indian Python (Python molurus molurus) and are very similar in appearance.  This python is known for being very docile despite its large adult size.  When fully grown, burmese pythons can exceed 20 feet and weigh over 250 pounds.  Baby Burmese pythons are usually 19-24 inches when they are born and grow very quickly.  With adequate food, you could expect these snakes to reach 9 feet in their first year.  Burmese pythons are usually sexually mature within 3 years and are fairly easy to breed.  Gravid females can lay 25-60 or more eggs in a clutch and they will hatch in about 65 days.  With proper care, burmese pythons are long lived snakes and you can expect them to live 20-30 years.  Prehistoric Pets promotes responsible snake ownership and we recommend locking cages that prevent accidental escape.   Large constrictors and other escaped snakes can have a negative impact on the general public which can lead to a ban of snake ownership.

Temperature

     Burmese pythons should be maintained at 85-90 degrees during the day, with a hot spot under the heat light reaching 95 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  If you keep your snake too cool it can regurgitate, so make sure the temperatures are maintained.  Daily misting should be used to maintain humidity between 75-90 %.  Snakes shed in one complete piece, if yours is shedding in pieces the humidity is too low.  Another option to increase humidity is to provide a box with a small entrance, for the snake to enter, filled with damp potting soil and moss.

Housing

      Baby burmese pythons can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrariums.  Burmese pythons grow quickly and we recommend that you provide the largest cage possible.  One can expect an adult burmese python to need a 10’ x 10’ enclosure. 

Bedding

      Our recommendation for bedding is bark or coconut bark, this bedding holds moisture very well and duplicates their natural environment. 

Food

       Burmese pythons feed on fuzzy or small adult mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to rats, rabbits, or even small pigs.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile Burmese pythons 1-2 times per week.  Adult burmese pythons can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, burmese pythons typically will not eat when they are preparing to shed.  After your snake has shed you can return to your normal feeding regiment.  If your snake doesn’t eat make sure you remove the rodent from the cage.  Rodents can bite snakes when they are hungry and can injure or kill your snake. 

Cleaning and Handling

       The terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter should be cleaned out several times a week. The bedding should be completely changed once a month and fresh clean water should be provided at all times.  The inside of the terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat.  Burmese pythons can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.